formula

noun formulas · formulae · formulæ

1. countable, uncountable Any mathematical rule expressed symbolically. x=(-b±√(b²-4ac))/(2a) is a formula for finding the roots of the quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0.

   Similar: mathematical formula

2. countable, uncountable A symbolic expression of the structure of a compound. H₂O is the formula for water.

   Similar: chemical formula

3. countable, uncountable A plan or method for dealing with a problem or for achieving a result. The company's winning formula includes excellent service and quality products.
4. countable, uncountable A formulation; a prescription; a mixture or solution made in a prescribed manner; the identity and quantities of ingredients of such a mixture. The formula of the rocket fuel has not been revealed.
5. countable, uncountable A fixed phrase or set of words intended to be interpreted non-literally, typically used attitudinally or as part of convention; a formulation. Avoid the typical epistolic formalae, such as "Kind regards".
6. countable, especially, uncountable A formal statement of doctrine. The extract from the Missal of Constance, which was printed before the editio princeps […] does not contain the formulae for Advent, Sundays after Epiphany, Lent and the Sundays after Easter and Pentecost; […]
7. abbreviation, countable, ellipsis, uncountable Ellipsis of infant formula, drink given to babies to substitute for mother's milk. They tried switching formulas, and it seemed to work: the baby seemed more content while feeding.
8. countable, uncountable A syntactic expression of a proposition, built up from quantifiers, logical connectives, variables, relation and operation symbols, and, depending on the type of logic, possibly other operators such as modal, temporal, deontic or epistemic ones.